That which is above is from that which is below, and that which is below is from that which is above.
-2nd verse of the Emerald Tablet, 8th century Hermetic text
This project and these works are about creating beauty and resilience out of the very same materials that built our communities and our homes – clay/mud. It is a way to reconnect our colonial histories to the earth. At its foundation, this work is about building community – with the earth, my neighbours, the community at St. Andrews-Wesley, and the networks of towns and people that brought all of us here and now.
Free but donations welcome and go towards supporting artist residencies at St Andrew’s Wesley.
Ilena Lee bio
She is known for her work in theatre and ceramics and will be offering workshops until June at the church for anyone in the community who feels drawn to create with clay!
Ilena is a ceramic artist, teacher, technician, theatre artist and writer from a trailer park at the end of the road in Alaska. She has created work around the world and worked with many local arts organizations; Richmond Arts Centre, PuSh Festival, Atira Womens resources, Queer Arts Festival, Frank Theatre and many many others.
Ilena’s studio practice is a mix of contemporary wheel thrown techniques and traditional hand build and pit fired techniques. She travels through history and picks up artifacts like mud, rusty stuff, and stories to make things that feel comfortable and familiar, yet altogether surprising. Ilena says, “Whether I am making plays, poetry or pottery I am making art that is simple and accessible. I search to find the universal language—touch, laughter, home. My pots are empty spaces meant to hold my day dreams, a loving touch, or a wine-warmed smile.”
Learn more about Ilena by visiting ilenaleepottery.com
